Key Takeaways
- In fall 2022, approximately 2.4 million undergraduate students were enrolled exclusively in distance education courses, representing 15% of total undergraduate enrollment
- Online enrollment in U.S. higher education institutions grew by 7% from fall 2021 to fall 2022, reaching over 3 million fully online students
- By 2023, 58% of college students had taken at least one online class, compared to just 35% pre-pandemic
- 41% of U.S. adults aged 25-34 have taken an online course in 2023
- Women comprise 57% of online undergraduate students in the U.S. as of 2022
- 35% of online students are aged 25-29, the largest age group in 2023
- 6-year completion rate for fully online bachelor's is 34%, compared to 66% for campus-based at public four-year institutions in 2017 cohort
- Online students have 10% lower retention rates after first year (52% vs. 62%) per 2022 data
- 48% of online community college students complete within 150% time, vs. 32% fully online
- Median weekly earnings for bachelor's degree holders are $1,493 in 2022, 66% higher than high school grads at $899
- Online degree holders have 85% employment rate within 6 months of graduation, per 2023 survey
- 92% of online MBA graduates report career advancement within 1 year
- Average online bachelor's tuition $15,000/year vs. $28,000 on-campus public
- Total cost of online bachelor's averages $38,496 at public in-state, 49% less than hybrid
- Online programs save students $10,000+ annually in housing/meals
Online degree enrollment surges as global market and employer acceptance grow rapidly.
Completion and Retention
Completion and Retention Interpretation
Cost and Value
Cost and Value Interpretation
Demographic Data
Demographic Data Interpretation
Employment Outcomes
Employment Outcomes Interpretation
Enrollment Statistics
Enrollment Statistics Interpretation
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